Waste

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UW-Platteville defines waste as "the thoughtless or careless use of materials and resources" which create negative economic, environmental, & social impacts. We're working to become a "zero-waste" institution by diverting solid waste from the landfill through sustainable alternatives such as reuse, recycling, & reducing natural resource consumption. In 2017, campus waste reduction initiatives diverted over 1,500 tons of waste from the landfill!

instructions for proper waste disposal:

Batteries

Batteries can be placed in the battery recycling bin located next the Pioneer Perk in the Markee Pioneer Student Center. Large batteries or a large quantity of batteries can be picked up directly by Pioneer Restore, please submit this online form to have them picked up.

Computer Toner / Ink Cartridges

Ink cartridges can be recycled in the Markee Pioneer Student Center; there is a collection bin located next to the University Bookstore. Cartridges can also be sent through campus mail to the Sustainability Office, 308 Royce and they will be shipped off for recycling.

You may take your item to Tri Com, Goodwill, or Faherty Inc. in Platteville and Best Buy in Dubuque. There are many different types of electronics, so we recommend that you call first to see that the location will accept your specific item(s)!

Food / Organic Waste

Organic waste (food/yard waste) can easily be turned into compost (a high-value fertilizer) in about four months time. Because landfills lack access to oxygen and microbs, the same products take significantly longer to break down in a landfill, and may never completely do so.

Platteville residents can drop yard waste off at the city compost site, or leave it by the curb for regular pick-ups (more information). Food waste can be left in the community compost bin at the Mineral Street Community Garden- located on Mineral Street between North Oak Street and North Water Street (across from Jenor Tower), run in cooperation with the Main Street Sustainability Committee.

Landfill

The landfill used by our waste management provider, Faherty Inc., is in Milan, Ill. (108 miles from Platteville—one way!). Not only is that drive expensive and bad for the environment, but many of the products that go to landfills still have value left in them. This site explains many of the ways that we are working to divert our waste from the landfill.

Recycling

UW-Platteville is committed to reducing our impact on the environment and recycling is a big part of this. Recycling helps save resources by giving products a second life, prevents harmful contaminants from entering our soil through landfills, creates jobs, and saves the university money (recycling costs less than landfilling). As of winter 2013, UW-Platteville (and all Platteville households) use single-stream recycling meaning all recycling can be mixed together in a single recycling bin. For more information about what should and shouldn't be recycled, visit our recycling guide.

Special / Universal / Hazardous

Special/universal/hazardous waste includes harmful and hazardous waste such as:

Acid waste

Aerosol Cans

Asbestos containing equipment/asbestos waste

Compressed gas cylinders

Contaminated Labware

Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Freon containing equipment (e.g. refrigerator and freezer)

Mercury

Paint

Photographic fixer

Peroxide forming chemicals

Radioactive waste

Rechargeable Batteries (laptop, cell phone, etc)

Sharps (needles, razor blades, scalpels, etc)

Solvent soaked rages

Unwanted chemicals

Used Oil/Antifreeze

Waste solvents

To dispose of campus-owned Special/universal/hazardous waste:

Most people on campus will never have to deal with campus-owned special/universal/hazardous waste, but if you do have campus-owned special/universal/hazardous waste that you need to dispose of, contact the Risk Management Office.

To dispose of personal special/universal/hazardous waste:

If you have a special/universal/hazardous item that you purchased with your own money, you should call Faherty, Inc at (608) 348-9586. Faherty's is Platteville's local waste management provider. They can take most universal waste for a fee and if they are unable to accept an item they can likely refer you to place that will accept it.